Statistically speaking, you will stay in an AirBnB. But other options also exist.
That early, there are some great bargains available for the committed Diplomacy traveller
What is key to know is that a place that seems to be in a walkable distance, may not be walkable at all.
That is due to 2 factors:
1) Geography: Saronida is built on 2 hills and the “valley” between them. At some points these hills are really steep. Having a great view and walking to your place from the venue are two opposing features of any place in Saronida.
2) Some venues may be in walking distance on a flat path, but the only path to be the main road by the sea where cars are driving fast and there are no pedestrian pavewalks, so you will need to walk on the side of the street. I strongly recommend against it.
Let’s dive deeper:
All places within the thin red line are walkable from/to the venue
There is some gradient of course but doable. The yellow areas are a bit more challenging. The pink area, the hill-side where all the amazing villas with the pools and the breathtaking views are, are accessible on foot by athletes only.
This is what you would be up against:
If you have seen a nice place to rent and it is just 25 mins walking and google tells you that the only way to walk to the venue is walking the red line below, do not do it. Very dangerous for pedestrians. Better wait for the 123 Bus. (see transportation)
At the time of writing this, booking.com has not opened the dates of the event for, ehm, booking, it only offers dates 330 days ahead, but here are the most notable hotels and aparthotels in the area:
1) 3 Olive Trees: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UXiBSCcmf3vj7AYi9
A premium aparthotel, the closest to the venue. A bit pricy. Very new, maybe 2 years old. Just across the street from the “2nd Saronida Beach” that locals (and I) prefer.
here is their site: https://www.3olivetrees.gr/
2) Alexander Hotel: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JXdANPXX6FtbwpRC7
Affordable, decent beach hotel. I have never been. The beach across the road that they share with Hotel Eden is quite popular. Do not even think to walk to the venue, even if it is just 25 min walk.
I will seek a group code, more on that soon
3) Vincci Ever Eden Beach Resort: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zKQoNJDp76jmbQ7K7 (edited)
More premium than Alexander and more pricey. Never stayed there but has a good reputation. Also, do not walk from there to the venue. I will seek a group code with them too. I think is is better to do so once the high season is over, now everyone feels good with business and may not offer their best discount.
4) Grand Resort Lagonissi: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AarkNn5Zf2YzsRHK7
We are now treading in the 5-star territory. The prices speak for themselves. Good reputation. Home to one of the good Asian restaurants of the Riviera (more on that on food)
My regular morning run was from our venue to this resort and back, 8km total, so you can walk it on a nice seaside path in about 45 mins (for 4km). Let’s speak beforehand if you want to do that, a couple of tips will be useful.
You can take the 122 bus too 🙂 . Or a taxi that they will arrange for you.
5) Plaza Resort Hotel: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sAKNW13paaapsuZp8
Another 5-star hotel for the bon-viveur diplomat.
Situated on Anavyssos Beach is very close to numerous lively beach bars and also close to the fish-tavern district.
Beach Bars:
Fish Taverns all the way:
I am sure the management of Plaza Resort Hotel wouldn’t want to be associated with either, but it was a good opportunity to plug them ¨)
It is a very good hotel.
If you haven’t rented a car (and we can not pick you up), the only alternative is the 123 bus line that does the cyclical route
Or a taxi of course, if you can get one. The hotel desk will help you for sure. It will cost less than 15 euro to get to the venue
6) Saronida Hills: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ocdxvNbvHUWXr6g28
For the well trained athlete or for those that will rent a car, this hotel is on top of the hill. Amazing views. Infinity pool. Diplomacy and chill.
Here is their official site and availability for the dates around the event.
5 nights will set you back between 800 to 950 euros if you book now. Seems like a good value to me if you can afford it.
Now, if you want to widen the range and choose to stay in the southern suburbs of Athens there are many many choices within 25 min drive. Varkiza, Vouliagmeni, Voula (the so called 3V) and Glyfada are all high end seaside areas of Athens. Glyfada has a very vivid commercial center and many entertainment options. Contact me if you want more info for these areas
More info: